The Glen Kotzen-trained Imposing was probably the biggest certainty to look through a bridle when taking on maiden company after two outings in Gr1 company. He got a hefty shunt in the handicap for that win and has top weight against seasoned older rivals when he runs in the fifth race on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.
He has been lumbered with 62kg for his troubles but apprentice Keratile Katjedi is a useful 4kg claimer which could be enough to see him beat the handicap.
Of the balance, Banzai Pipeline loves the poly and has the best of the draw while Double Martini tries for a winning hat-trick but has been creeping up the handicap and his two recent wins have been on the turf. Secret Giver has been runner-up at his last three and goes well on the poly. He should be thereabouts again.
The first is a tricky maiden but Venerable is lightly raced and showed good improvement in blinkers from a wide draw last time out. He has run his best race on the poly and this is his peak run after a break. American Dream has consistent form on the turf and now tries the poly but he is distance suited and should make a bold effort. Lemme Go made a smart local debut finishing a close-up second and as an older horse the switch to poly could be in his favour.
In the second, Bonne Bouche was super-impressive maiden winner at just her second time of asking albeit in a weak field. But given the authority of her victory it’s difficult to see how she was allowed to start at long odds. She takes on a useful field here but looks more than capable. Dark horse is the Kom Naidoo-trained Faeezahs Princess. She is a five-year-old mare who has only had one start where she won at cramped odds. She has been rested since and changed stables so obviously has many problems but looks to have ability and the poly could suit. Aga Heat is lightly raced and makes her poly debut but has not been out since shedding her maiden in April. Ethiopian Queen finally got her act together to win last outing but is back up in the handicap which could make things difficult for her.
The third could prove a boat-race between Wylie Riley and Fleet Commander.
Wylie Riley was a beaten favourite last run but has shown ability and the blinkers go on. He can make amends in a weak maiden field. Biggest threat is likely to be Fleet Commander who has been improving slowly and his two best efforts have been on the poly. This pair look set to fight it out.
High Moon is struggling for his next win but looks to be in the right race in the fourth after finishing a close-up third in his first start on the poly. Wiidski came on nicely from his debut outing to win next time out and Doug Campbell has stepped him up a further furlong. Rachel Vennicker retains the ride but without her 1.5kg claim as she rides at her minimum weight. The filly Special Charm made a winning debut first time up on the poly and in first time blinkers. With a 4kg claimer up she only has 48kg to shoulder.
In the sixth, Puff Of Smoke comes from a very much in form stable. She has improved in blinkers and her two best recent efforts have been on the poly. Boogie Shoes won well enough last run to go in again. She is back on the poly but acts on both surfaces. Royal Kitty goes very well over course and distance and with a 1.5kg allowance to help she could finally notch her second win but there should be little between her and Miss Lialah as they were separated by a piece of paper when last they met. The latter now gets a 4kg claimer up from a better draw.
The seventh is another open affair but although Cupids Song has drawn widest he has been knocking at the door for some time now and is due a change of luck. Clean Slate has gone close at his last two and has taken to the poly. From a good draw he will be a big runner. Green Dream has started favourite at her last three starts and been runner-up at her last two. Her last win was over course and distance while Track Commander has a handy weight and is also a poly specialist. Not out of it.
The last could rest between Kitten’s Adventure and Iron Chef. The Gary Rich-trained Kitten’s Adventure has finished behind stable companions at her last two but goes very well this course and distance. Iron Chef has not been out of the first two in her last four starts but has been racing over further. Tienie Prinsloo has declared blinkers along with a very much in form rider. Birdwatcher is way better than her last run. She has done well over course and distance and could be the surprise package.
